Traveling therapists know what’s up. Not only do they have an incredibly rewarding job, but they get to travel to different cities, continuously grow their skills on different teams and meet new people all around the country. They have one of the most high-demand jobs, providing them with unparalleled job security. Check out the rehab therapy career progression between 2022 and 2032 according to the Department of Labor:
- Physical therapists: career opportunities expected to grow 15%
- Physical therapy assistants: career opportunities expected to grow 19%
- Occupational therapists: career opportunities expected to grow 12%
- Occupational therapy assistants: career opportunities expected to grow 23%
- Speech language pathologists: career opportunities expected to grow 19%
- Clinical social workers: career opportunities expected to grow 7%
Though it sounds like all butterflies and rainbows, there are always struggles in any traveling healthcare job (you can count on Triage to tell you what’s up). We’re here to give all you traveling therapists tips on making the most of your travel assignments, now and in the future.
Tip 1: Make Sure You Have the Right Recruiter
Traveling therapists have a unique specialty. They don’t just need the medical skills to help their patients, they need compassion and kindness and making sure they can be all they need to be for their patients depends on if they’re in the right place, with the right team. Traveling therapists need recruiters that function more like a friend. Someone who understands their personal needs, career aspirations and what kind of team they’re going to work well with. Your dream recruiter with an allied or travel nurse agency is out there. You just have to look!
Tip 2: Consider Traveling to Off-Season Locations
You might be thinking, “One of the best things about my job is I can travel to San Diego or San Antonio when winter hits the Midwest,” and you’re correct. But, consider traveling to off-season locations once in awhile. Naturally, many traveling medical professionals want to go somewhere warm in winter, giving you the upper hand when it comes to compensation negotiation. An added bonus: living expenses are typically lower during off-season.
Tip 3: Learn To Manage Your Stress
Sometimes, having a traveling healthcare job can feel overwhelming and lonely. You’re away from family, in a new place and learning about a new team. So much of being a therapist is placing other people’s needs before your own and that can grow tiresome.
- Exercise regularly to boost those endorphins
- Give yourself an attitude adjustment so you can think more clearly and be proactive about fixing the situation
- Understand what is out of your control and accept that stressing over it changes nothing
Tip 4: Put Yourself Out There
Traveling medical jobs are challenging because, while you get to meet new people (some you might even like), eventually that assignment will come to an end. That shouldn’t keep traveling therapists from having great experiences. So, instead of eating a bowl of ramen soup and binge watching The Office, yet again, make time to socialize with coworkers outside of work, try a new restaurant, go sightseeing, take a hike somewhere, join a gym, stop by the town parade. Even doing those things alone is better than keeping yourself isolated.
Tip 5: Engage in Your Own “Therapy”
We all have that thing that relaxes our mind and balances out all the busy thoughts in our brain. For some, it might be reorganizing every cabinet and drawer in the kitchen. For others, a 10-mile bike ride might do the trick. Whatever your “therapy” is, make time for it so you can keep your body, mind and spirit balanced out and ready to take on each new day with a refreshed and focused attitude.
Traveling therapists have what seems like the “dream job” but, as with any career, there will be twists and turns that have the potential to impact their performance at work and unfortunately, that can mean serious setbacks in patient recovery. If you’re a traveling therapist, keep these tips in mind to help keep you grounded and ready to take on each assignment with fierce determination and dedication.
Looking for a new recruiter to get you where you want in your traveling medical career? Look no further. Triage is here to help! Sign up to speak with a recruiter today.